Arise and Abide

Reading Genesis 46:26-47:12 (NLT) ~ Jacob’s Journey to Egypt Cont., Jacob’s Family Arrives in Goshen, Jacob Blesses Pharaoh~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jacob losing sight of the goodness of God and his ability to trust God in his inability to progress in the grieving process. I experience anxiety when I am unable to set all my fears at the feet of Jesus. Letting go of the things we cling to, dying to those things allows us to live. The extended blessing of God.

Reading Genesis 45:21-46:7 (NLT) ~ Pharaoh Invites Jacob to Egypt Cont., Jacob’s Journey to Egypt ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Joseph telling the brothers not to quarrel along the way not wanting them to lose sight of God’s hand in everything. Bring you back again, for the nation and for the resurrection. God’s promise still stands. God’s plan has always been to bring us back. Faith isn’t inherited but it is something God grows in the lives of His children.

Reading Genesis 45:1-20 (NLT) ~ Joseph Reveals His Identity, Pharaoh Invites Jacob to Egypt~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Joseph asking to hear again that his dad was still alive. The heartbreaking and heartwarming moment being as the brothers are reunited. Joseph taking away the blame from his brothers and giving God the credit. Received by Joseph and Pharaoh. The impact of Joseph’s life on  those around him.

Reading Genesis 44:14-34 (NLT) ~ Joseph’s Silver Cup Cont., Judah Speaks for His Brothers~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. All the brothers got on board with the lie, and in repentance all return to Egypt to become slaves. Joseph’s test gives the brothers an out. God’s heart for humanity is that we all would come to repentance. God leads the brothers into repentance. We don’t need to hold anything back from God, as God already knows.  Choosing righteousness over selfishness. 

Reading Psalms 37:23-40 (NLT) ~ A Psalm of David ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. David giving his testimony on his observations and experiences with the wicked. Focusing all our attention on God, when we look again the obstacles and oppositions are gone or diminished. Parenting, delighting in the children who are a blessing. Giving generously is the opposite of being concerned with your own needs and wants first.

Reading Genesis 43:19-44:13 (NLT) ~ A Feast at Joseph’s Palace, Joseph’s Silver Cup~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Joseph trying to work out his traumas and family issues and not lose the opportunity to re-engage. The test to see is the brothers have really changed by putting the cup in Benjamin’s sack. God continuing shape each character in the story.

Reading Genesis 43:1-18 (NLT) ~ The Brothers Return to Egypt ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jacob’s unwillingness to do the uncomfortable because of his comfort. The brother standing up to their father without animosity towards Benjamin. Ps 37:5. Letting go of the life we are clinging to. Jacob’s life being connected to Benjamin and Joseph, Abraham’s willingness to place Isaac on the alter both coming to the same place of surrender. Our Hope is in God and the Good News.

Reading Genesis 42:24-43:2 (NLT) ~ Joseph’s Brothers Go to Egypt ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The brothers tormented by their guilt Joseph. Unable to live an abundant life when we try to pretend reality is something else.  Joseph ensures that his brothers will return though part of him just wants to forget. Cautiously reengaging in relationships that hurt you. God’s work in Jacob’s life who is holding on tightly to his life, grasping onto the blessings as they seem to be slipping away. 

Reading Genesis 42:1-24 (NLT) ~ Joseph’s Brothers Go to Egypt ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Though they are accused of being spies, the brothers’ guilt is in how they treated Joseph. The brothers still counted Joseph. Getting rid of Joseph didn’t get rid of their problem. Forgetting hurts is not the healthiest way forward. Processing, accepting, forgiving, letting go, and healing lets you live in peace with reality.   

Reading Genesis 41:37-57 (NLT) ~ Joseph’s Brothers Go to Egypt ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Pharaoh saying Joseph must be the most intelligent and wise person because god revealed the meaning of the dream to Joseph. Joseph, we surrendered to God, not believing the wisdom was within his own ability or intellect. Pharaoh seeing the spirit of God is with Joseph. Joseph seeing the blessings as a way to forget